Connecting With Family

Having just had a baby four months ago, I have an entirely new perspective on family. I’ve always known how important family is, but now, I realize that it’s probably the most important thing in life.

As most of you know, personal rituals are a huge part of the philosophy of our products at Personal Alchemy. So I would like to talk about the personal rituals we have with family. The rituals that bring us closer together.

These days, we’re all so crazy with the scheduling! Even our kids barely have time to do their homework anymore because of all the appointments, games, rehearsals, etc, that they have to get to. Long gone are those wonderful few hours after school when all the kids in the neighborhood would be out playing on the street, riding bikes, playing hop-scotch, and hide-and-go-seek until dinner time. Those were the days.

So in these busy lives that we lead today, how do you connect? How do you stay in touch with the most important people in your life?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Make sure you all eat a meal together. Just one meal every day. Turn the phone, TV, cell phones, game boys and all other devices off. Many of us have forgotten what a wonderful connecting experience a shared meal can be. People connect over food. It’s a wonderful opportunity to keep up with what’s going on in each others lives. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect.

If everyone can’t be home at the same time, maybe it’s time to reconsider your scheduling. At least get as many of you as possible to the table. You won’t regret it.

2. We spend so much time in our cars these days. With the advent of “in-car” DVD players, we’re missing a great opportunity to connect. We figure, if the back seat is quiet, the trip will be far more relaxing. But what you’re missing is a chance to talk and interact. There are so many games that you can play in the car. Look them up on line. Anything from spotting out-of-state license plates, to playing “I-spy” or “100 questions”. It may seem like work at first, but after a few tries, you’ll realize that it’s a great way to interact, and make your trip enjoyable. These games are fun even between adults. Try it! You’ll be amazed at how fun the trip can be.

3. Okay. I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but massage is a fantastic way to connect with your family! Even the kids will love both giving and receiving massage. Most moms know about “baby massage”. Why not continue it into the later years? I can tell you that there is nothing so sweet as those little hands rubbing your back. Even teens can get in on this one.

Find creative ways to connect. In our society, there so many things that disconnect us and keep us apart. But connecting is such a rewarding experience. Some times you have to work hard at finding ways to do it. But once you do, you won’t regret it.

Here’s to family!